Best backed despite boos

16 April 2015 03:00 AM

CHRIS Hughton has defended Ireland striker Leon Best after the player was booed by Brighton fans.

Best has yet to score in 12 appearances for the Seagulls since a mid-season loan move from Blackburn, and a section of the support initially cheered when Best was substituted during Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Huddersfield, and then booed as he came off.

"I don't think it was personal," manager Hughton said. "We've got a super crowd that get behind us but they are probably at the moment feeling what we are all feeling, which is frustration that we are not getting the results and not scoring the goals we need." Best has failed to score in 32 games overall this season on loan to Derby and Blackburn.